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Home Decorating Design Dilemma Living Room

Living Room - Quick Surprise Makeover - Help/Advice needed

4 months ago

Hello,

Right the Mrs and the 3 wee kids are off to somewhere warm for 4/5 days over Xmas. I would normally laze around, watch the football and maybe hit the gym. However, this year I feel like giving our Living Room a little makeover and to surprise the family. Now this is not a full on makeover, I am trying to keep it simple.

1) The current wallpaper is too busy, I want to strip it off, put fresh new lining paper and then paint the walls a nice neutral colour but also child friendly. Any ideas would be great. I have zero exp.

2) The chimney wall has tiling in the brick effect, I am not a big fan but I also can't get rid of this. I will need to work around this and ensure this remains the main feature in the room. The gap where the fireplace used to be is bigger than normal, I need inspiration on what to do with this space, I was considering adding storage and shelving maybe or a bioethanol burner.

3) I will sand the doors, frames and skirting and re-apply some fresh paint (I was told eggshell is the best option).

4) I will paint the ceiling white and replace the current boring single bulb light with a ceiling light.

5) The carpet, sofa and blind will remain as they are. However, happy to maybe add a rug or some furniture but I need your help!!!

Thank you in advance, will post the pictures from my phone.

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Caldicot Kitchen & Bathroom Centre

4 months ago

As Isla states, I think you may be underestimating how long this will all take! Certainly moving away from the busy wallpaper and a plain paint is wirth doing - but where all does that wallpaper extend? There is no natural "break" at the archway just now.

Beyond that, I'd hesitate to offer an opinion, as I really think your "other half" needs some input. To do a big transformation unannounced is, as Sir Humphrey would have said in Yes Minister, ah, "brave"...

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Comments (9)

Zulf P
Original Author
4 months ago
Images of my living room.
Zulf P
Original Author
4 months ago
More pictures
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Isla Cherry
4 months ago
What type of wallpaper is it and how long ago was it put up? It's going to take a lot of time to steam that off. I think it needs some colour. Some really bright cushions and a rug. A berber style rug would brighten it up a lot. Some floating shelves in the alcoves would look lovely and you can then add colour with books. I would look for a couple of comfortable armchairs. How long do you have for this amazing transformation? This is going to take longer than you think. It might be possible to put another wallpaper over it, that would save you a lot of time. There are some really beautiful ones available now.
Zulf P thanked Isla Cherry
Sonia
4 months ago
That’s quite a lot of work to do and I’m not sure you can do all that in 4-5 days. Stripping wallpaper is quite a laborious, time consuming job. If the wallpaper is in good condition you could paint over it, but that will make removing it in the future even more difficult. You could add accessories such as cushions, artwork and a throw, say in pink, blue or green, to cosy it up. You could also add a couple of floor lamps either side of the sofa which will make it much cosier at night. A patterned rug will add more interest.
Zulf P
Original Author
4 months ago
Thanks for the feedback guys. I have 4/5 days and I am off from work. I also have a friend or two to help. The plan is to:

Day one: strip the wallpaper and sand the wood around the room. The wallpaper has been on for around 7 years and under the paper is lining paper. The paper is decent quality but has seen better days.

Day two: paint ceiling and start painting the wood. Make a start on the new lining paper.

Day three: paint the walls and finish wood.

Day four: add some new furnishings and last minute touches. Maybe new sockets and switches and the ceiling light. Add a rug maybe too.

Bonus if I can add some shelving in the alcoves etc. The archway leads to some storage space under the stairs. Currently houses a chest freezer.

Thanks, I know advice is not enough time but it’s the only time I have when kids are out and stuff can get done.
Sonia
4 months ago
You never mentioned the friends! Anyway good luck with it all and hope your partner likes it.
siobhanmcgee90
4 months ago
What a wonderful Christmas gift for your family. Super idea. The plan looks good. The sockets and switches look good so just cover when painting. For the fireplace, the tv looks very high so would you consider lowering it to a more comfortable position. A pair of comfy chairs. Alcove shelving. A few lamps. A rug.

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